(Dan Tri) – Hamas leaders declared `an independent Palestinian state` as a prerequisite for conducting peace negotiations with Israel.

Mr. Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of Hamas forces (Photo: AFP).

`Hamas is ready to negotiate with Israel, hoping that future negotiations will result in an independent Palestinian state in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,` said Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas.

Mr. Haniyeh added: `We are ready to discuss any agreement or initiative that can end this conflict. However, such initiatives must certainly ensure Palestinians’ civil rights to the

However, he also warned: `After the agreements are settled, we will not allow any vain attempts to destroy Hamas forces and other armed groups. At the same time, every

Mr. Haniyeh’s comments came just one day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that there cannot be an independent Palestinian state.

In principle, Israel had previously approved this idea.

It has been 30 years since the signing of the agreement, but the Israeli army continues to control the West Bank, rapidly developing Jewish settlement outposts, and at the same time, the government still strictly blocks the area.

On the same day, December 13, Mr. Netanyahu announced that Israel would continue to deploy military operations in the Gaza Strip until the complete elimination of Hamas forces.

Previously, the United Nations Security Council’s vote calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip failed with a US veto, despite the support of other member states.

The United Nations General Assembly later passed a similar but non-binding resolution.

On the contrary, with Israel’s position as the leading military sponsor, the US supports a short-term pause in fighting.

On the other hand, President Joe Biden has increasingly criticized Israel’s approach to the war.